Preclinical Curriculum Overview

The School of Medicine underwent a major revision of the curriculum with the 1994 entering freshman class. The current curriculum is different from the previous, more traditional curriculum in the following areas: the basic sciences are no longer taught as discipline-specific "courses" but are integrated and taught as "blocks," using interdisciplinary teaching with both basic and clinical science faculty. Committees chaired by faculty members from major block courses determine course content and teaching methodologies.

Lectures, small discussion groups and laboratories are used with extensive time available for self-learning. There is a marked reduction in lecture hours with an emphasis on small group work and independent study with availability of mentors and learning resources. Introduction to Clinical Practice, since changed to Introduction to Clinical Medicine, was initiated at the inception of the 1994-95 freshman year and runs throughout the first two years. This course includes instruction in interviewing techniques, physical examination, intimate human behavior, ethics, professionalism and the dynamics of ambulatory care delivery.

Last Revision: August 12, 2008